This week, the Premier and representatives from the opposition parties condemned Bill 62 recently passed through the Quebec National Assembly. This bill prevents anyone wearing a face covering from either accessing or providing public services. This implicitly targets Muslim women who wear the niqab as a symbol of their faith. Under Bill 62, women wearing the niqab will need to show their face to access to basic government services like going to a library and riding a bus. The Premier made it clear that while Ontario has a close working relationship with Quebec, we fundamentally disagree with them on this issue. In Ontario we see our diversity as our greatest strength.

On Tuesday, the House passed second reading of Bill 163, Protecting a Woman's Right to Access Abortion Services Act, 2017 by a vote of 85 -1. Only Trillium Party MPP Jack MacLaren voted against the bill. Based on the importance of this bill, the Government House Leader proposed an accelerated legislative timeline for Bill 163 that was agreed to by both opposition parties. The bill was referred to the Standing Committee on General Government for public hearings on Thursday October 19th. The bill will be going for clause by clause consideration on Monday October 23rd.

On Wednesday, the House passed second reading of Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017. The bill was only opposed by the PCs who have made it clear that they have no interest in raising the minimum wage and strengthening protections for workers. The bill has been referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Anyone interested in speaking to the bill should contact Clerk Eric Rennie by tel: 416-325-3506 or email: comm-financeaffairs@ola.org.

In Private Members’ Business:

Bill 162, Insurance Amendment Act (Life Settlements), 2017, sponsored by Liberal MPP Mike Colle passed second reading in the House. This bill would, if passed would allow an individual to sell their life insurance policy.

Bill 167, Fairness in Consumer Reporting Act, 2017, sponsored by Liberal MPP Arthur Potts passed second reading with unanimous support in the House. This bill would, if passed, require Consumer reporting agencies like Equifax and TransUnion to respond to a consumer inquiry within two business days, provide a consumer report free of charge and at the consumer’s request place a security freeze on their file.

Bill 168, Putting Your Best Foot Forward Act, 2017, sponsored by Liberal MPP Christina Martins passed second reading with unanimous support in the House. The bill would, if passed, prohibit employers from requiring an employee to wear footwear that is not appropriate to the protection required for the employee’s work. This is particularly important in workplaces where employers mandate female employees wear high heels.